As Chair of a State Water Environment Association Committee, Andrea was leading efforts to create a program for Operators on innovations in water & wastewater treatment - but her committee consisted mostly of engineers and utility managers.

"With the Virtual Water Leader Lab Surveys, we were able to hear from the Operators on what they wanted to learn - while also building relationships so we could invite more Operators to serve on our committees."

- Andrea, Water Environment Association Committee Chair (Phoenix, AZ)

As Conservation Director for a habitat organization, Greg built partnerships with agricultural landowners and municipal agencies to set aside land for habit benefits by hosting meetings that had been moved online.

"When we started asking the Virtual Water Leader Lab Survey questions, we were finally able to get people to open up, lean in, and talk with us online."

- Greg, Habitat Organization Conservation Director (Fort Collins, CO)

As the Director of a new University Water Center, Rio was asked to lead the development of a Virtual State of the Basin Symposium in a rural region of the state.

"When we used the Virtual Water Leader Lab Surveys, it really helped to have members of the community suggest topics and speakers - and some offered to sponsor our program before we even asked!"

- Rio, University Water Center Director (Alamosa, CO)

Virtual Program: 2021 Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium

As President/CEO of a major environmental consulting firm that provided Water Asset Management services to large utilities, Rizwan wanted to be able to serve small, rural, and economically disadvantaged communities that also needed these services - and were eligible for funding but didn't have the resources to access these funds.

"In the Virtual Water Leader Lab, we were able to create a leveraged program we could provide that would be affordable for underserved utilities and still produce great results - with possible funding for followup work."

- Rizwan, President/CEO EBA Engineering (Laurel, MD)

Virtual Program:
Water Asset Management 101

Zhuping wanted to begin his own practice after decades of experience with water districts and universities. He saw that many water districts had filed state-mandated drought plans but did not have the resources to implement those plans.

"During the Virtual Water Leader Lab, I learned an innovative approach for carrying out market research, developing an online program and launching a program that is opening another door for me to serve our community in need and help them build resilient water systems. I also enjoyed exchanging and sharing among all the cohort members!"

- Zhuping, Principal, Sheng Engineering (El Paso, TX)

Virtual Program:
Beyond The Drought Plan

As a technical expert who became a Special Master and water dispute resolution efforts, Todd knows how critical it is for water and environmental engineers and scientists like himself to be able to work with the public and other parties during water conflicts - but often can't get to trainings.

"Municipal water districts of various kinds are operaging on a shoestring budget, getting money from fees or taxes, and we all know what happens then they go for a rate increase, so it is hard to have access to this sort of training, especially if it involves traveling someplace. With the Virtual Water Leader Lab, I am creating a program that responds to what they really need so I can deliver a program to them that will support them."

- Todd, Water Dispute Resolution Expert (Austin, TX)

A Former Fortune 500 Marketing Leader, Chuck has developed services for Water & Wastewater Treatment Tech Startups to develop robust go-to-market strategies.

- Chuck, Principal and Chief Marketing Officer, Blue Arch Development LLC (Cincinnati, OH)

A leading well equipment service company business owner with more than 30 years experience as a trainer on innovations in groundwater wells, Tom gained new perspectives during the Lab.

"The Virtual Water Leader Lab helped me think outside the box and I was also able to learn new things and meet new people in the industry. This experience has helped me grow personally and has benefited my company."

- Tom, Secretary Treasurer, Colorado Water Well (Denver, CO)

Having worked in his family's construction business, geologist Charles wanted to support small groundwater businesses. Although he started with website design and marketing, the Virtual Water Leader Lab Surveys revealed that the top issues companies faced was in recruiting & retention, pricing and business systems, so he pivoted his offers!

- Charles, Marketing Director, Adapt Digital Solutions (Coeur d'Alene, ID)

A water logistics expert with a passion for gardening, Frank had thousands of hours of experience as a trainer for MasterGardeners and landscapers - especially on how to adapt to climate change.

"I’ve realized that one-hour pops that I’ve been giving to the public is not really enough to develop climate gardening professionals. Through the Virtual Water Leader Lab, I’ve been developing a program on what climate change really means to you, how to assess what can go wrong in your own space, and what you can do about it. Real stuff that real people can do in their own yard!"

- Frank, Founder, ClimateSmart(TM) Gardens (Stafford, VA)

When John's school in rural Uganda was closed by the Pandemic, he led the development of a Fish Farm for his village to provide revenue and high protein food for his community.

"With help from the Virtual Water Leader Lab, we're now creating a program to teach others how to build their own Fish Farms while bringing much needed funds to our village!"

- John, Teacher and Fish Farm Founder (Katwadde, Uganda)

As a Civil Engineer from Puerto Rico, Diana was familiar with "white elephant" projects - water projects installed by charity organizations in underserved communities that were not locally sustainable. In the Virtual Water Leader Lab, she interviewed local organizations in more than 40 countries and underserved communities!

"We had our first pilot of the Virtual Roundtable Series on "How to Build Sustainable WASH Approaches in Underserved Communities." The learning experience up to this point has been unbelievable but listening to our participants is at an even higher level!"

- Diana, Engineer and Hydrophilathropy Expert (San Francisco, CA)

Virtual Program: How to Build Sustainable WASH Approaches in Underserved Communities